Swedish company offers assistance to Delhi government to make Yamuna pollution-free

As the problem of pollution in the Yamuna river in Delhi continues to escalate, a Swedish company has expressed its desire to assist in cleaning the river. According to an NDTV report, the company, which possesses expertise in sewage sludge management, has contacted the Delhi government to explore opportunities to reduce pollution.

In this regard, representatives of the company met with Delhi's Water Minister and Chairperson of the Delhi Jal Board, Parvesh Verma, at the Delhi Secretariat. The government stated on Wednesday that these discussions are still in the preliminary stages and both parties are considering potential areas of cooperation.

The condition of the river is extremely alarming. On Monday, thick white foam was again observed in the Yamuna near Kalindi Kunj, for which workers were deployed to remove it. It has become common to see foam in this area, especially during winter. Detergents entering the river and untreated sewage contribute significantly to this problem.

However, pollution is not limited only to the foam visible on the surface. A study released last month by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) identified 12 drains as major pollution hotspots. The study revealed that waste was dumped at 32 locations, while in 11 drains, the arrangements to prevent wastewater from entering the river were either inadequate or not functioning properly.

The condition of the river deteriorates further as it progresses through Delhi. When it enters the capital at Yamuna Palla, the measurement of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in September was within the bathing-water limit. However, by the time the river reaches the ISBT bridge, this reading increased to 30 mg per litre, which is 10 times higher than the prescribed limit. BOD indicates the level of organic pollution in the water; the higher this figure, the greater the pollution.

The Delhi government states that it wishes to acquire global technology and expertise for the cleaning of the Yamuna. Regarding this, Parvesh Verma stated, "The cleaning of the Yamuna requires the best available technology, global expertise, and continuous efforts." The Minister further added that the aim of this plan is not only to clean the river but also to improve the capital's comprehensive water and sewage management system.

Delhi is already utilizing foreign technology. In January, a 'Watermaster' machine manufactured in Finland was deployed to remove accumulated silt, sludge, and weeds from the Najafgarh drain. According to Parvesh Verma, approximately 70 percent of the total pollution entering the Yamuna comes through this single drain, which is why it has been made a primary focus of the cleaning campaign. Additionally, Japan is also assisting in solving Delhi's water problems. The question now is whether Delhi can realistically meet its deadline by May 2029.